Guatemala Overview

Country Profile

The Republic of Guatemala is located in the northwest of Central America, covering an area of L0.9 million square kilometers. It has a population of 11.24 million, of which 43% of Indians, with the remaining percentage the mestizo, who are descendants of European immigrants. Catholicism is the primary religion, and the official language is Spanish, although 23 kinds of Quiché dialects are also spoken. The currency is the quetzal and the capital is Guatemala.

Guatemala National Flag

Guatemala’s flag takes its colors from the national colors of the original Central American Federation flag. It contains two blue vertical strips to the left and right, symbolic of the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, with a vertical white stripe in the middle symbolizing the pursuit of peace. In the center there is a painted emblem.

History Summary

In 1524 the country was colonized by Spain. On September 15, 1821, independence was declared, and in 1825 Guatemala joined the Central American Federation, becoming a republic in 1859.

Economy and Culture Overview

Guatemala’s economy is dominated by agriculture, with coffee, cotton, sugar cane, and bananas the primary crops. The country is Central America’s second-largest coffee producer, and the largest exporter of cardamom. Important industries include mining, cement, sugar, and textile. The country’s forests cover two thirds of the total land area, allowing for the production of the world-famous mahogany. This gives Guatemala the nickname of “Forest of the country.”

Guatemala is one of the centers of the ancient Mayan culture, and has the world’s largest concentration of native Indian population, culture, and has best preserved the Mayan kingdom.
Guatemala has colorful ethnic costumes in a variety of styles, with more than 100 different tribal clothing styles, patterns, and colors, which tell the observer which tribe the wearer comes from. Men and women wear embroidered clothing, which are not only decorative but are also symbolic, such as wearing a feathered serpent and the sun symbol of the Maya.

Ancient city of Tikal

The ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Tikal are located in the northeastern Peten jungle. Built between the 3rd century BC and the 9th century BC, the city was later abandoned. Distributed throughout the city, 130 square kilometers in range, some downtown about 15 square kilometers. Pyramids, palaces, temples and other ancient architectural ruins 300 years ago demonstrated the AD bright as Yao Hou Maya culture in which the 1st pyramid shape like a crouch on the result of forests being the Puma, which is called “Puma Pyramid.” Tower 52 meters high. Top built temple, which has become a tourist destination.

Guatemala Map